Click here to download images of apparel available for purchase to support the team: www.amagear.com.2016 U.S. Trial des Nations Team announced

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The 2016 U.S. Trial des Nations teams will travel to France to compete against the best trials riders in the world on Sept. 11. The event is sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, and the U.S. teams are organized by the American Motorcyclist Association and the North American Trials Council.

"As the sport of trials continues to grow in the United States, it's important that our best riders seek out the world stage," said AMA Director of Racing Bill Cumbow. "We're proud of these AMA members who will challenge the world's best."

The men's team includes three returning members from last year: Andrew Putt (Sherco), Bryan Roper (Sherco) and Daniel Blanc-Gonnet (Montesa). The alternate for the men's team is Sam Fastle (Sherco).

"As a team, we attempt to create the opportunity for our riders to be able to participate in the Trial des Nations in such a way that they can focus on what they do best -- riding," Roper said. "Sometimes the trip details and logistics can get in the way of the fun, so we try to help with as much as possible, including fundraising."

For 2016, the FIM has made changes to the size of the Trial des Nations team. The men's team will have three competitors, one less than before, and the women's team will remain the same with three. There will be two minders, one team manager and one FIM delegate.

BackgroundThe sport of trials involves riders navigating their motorcycles over seemingly impossible terrain. The FIM Trial des Nations began in Europe in 1983 as a way to bring the best trials riders from each country together to compete as teams, and it has evolved into one of the most anticipated motorcycle events of the year. Each competing country fields two teams: a men's and women's team consisting of three riders.

The support of sponsors is crucial to the ability of the teams to compete. For 2016, sponsors include: AIReS Relocation Services (Bryan Putt / www.aires.com); Specialty Welding and Machine (Sid Maulden / www.swmtx.com); Integrated Solutions Inc (Ropers / www.isiaz.com); Ryan Young Products (Ryan Young / www.rypusa.com); and the motorcycle manufacturers and importers. Special thanks go to Martin Belair (www.usmontesa.com) for representing the U.S. as the FMN Delegate and Bryan Putt for making sure the team has all the necessary tools at the event.

About the American Motorcyclist AssociationFounded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

You don't stop riding because you grow old, you grow old because you stop riding.